Does post-nasal drip cause throat symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had a scratchy or itchy throat for over a month. The doctor said it could be a postnasal drip, and I have been taking a steroid nasal spray for that. It has helped with the scratchy throat. Three days back, my Adam's apple became exceedingly sore, mild in the morning, and progressively worsened over the day. I also had a metallic taste in my mouth last night. I can breathe, but my swallowing has become painful. I have no visual issues with my mouth or throat. There are no bumps and white spots. I also have a dry mouth during the day that does not go away with water. Currently, I am taking a steroid nasal spray and painkillers.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

The most common reason for the symptoms you have mentioned can be a feature of chronic silent GERD with LPR (gastroesophageal reflux with laryngopharyngeal reflux). Even though you might be asymptomatic or have never had gastric issues in between, the inflammation in the throat often exists in a hidden form and can resurface when adequate care is not taken.

Why does hidden acid reflux become so problematic?

As you know, the stomach has cells that release hydrochloric acid, thus keeping the gastric environment acidic. Your mucosal lining from the mouth, throat, and food pipe (esophagus) is not meant to handle anything acidic. The throat is the most sensitive of these three structures due to its rich nerve supply. In a given situation, your mouth, throat, or food pipe chronically comes in contact with acidic contents, and an inflammation starts, which the body initially takes care of. Still, once this compensation wears off, you start developing symptoms that you have mentioned.

Please follow the advice mentioned below.

Maintain a strict diet. Eat on time.
Avoid spicy, oily, and cold food or drinks.
Keep a gap of two hours between meals and going to bed.
Do not overeat. Keep your stomach empty and have regular, intermittent light food like fresh-cut fruits between major meals.
Have salt water gargling eight to ten times a day for 15 days.
Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can potentiate reflux.
Try to maintain a left lateral position while sleeping to reduce the chance of reflux.

Treatment plan:

Take tablet Pan D (Pantoprazole) 40 mg (or its equivalent) once in the morning before breakfast for one month and syrup Mucaine gel (or its equivalent), one tablespoon three times a day, 20 minutes before meals for one month. Make sure you follow the precautionary measures as much as possible, as mere medications will not fetch long-term relief.

Please understand that it typically takes four to six weeks for things to normalize and for symptoms to subside. This chiefly depends on how well you have followed the precautions mentioned above, as 80 percent of the treatment lies there. There is absolutely nothing that you need to worry about, as this is a treatable entity, and things will be fine.

I hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.